Here are ten awesome things for you and your family to do all across Arkansas this month!
1. ‘Faces of The Delta: The Art of Aj Smith’
Helena
through July 4: This exhibit by famed artist Aj Smith features large, graphite pencil portraits and silver point prints of Arkansas and Mississippi Delta residents that he encountered in the culture-rich region. The works and their stories “present the spirits and souls” of his subjects, young and old. The opening reception will be held at 6 p.m. May 7 at the Delta Cultural Center Visitors Center.
deltaculturalcenter.com | 870.338.4350
2. Southern Food & Wine Festival
El Dorado
May 6 and 7: Enjoy a weekend of fun and food, including the ever-popular mayhaw jelly. Friday night includes dinner — Presqu’ile Vintner Event at The Granite Club — and dancing. Saturday kicks off with the Mayhaw Festival and concludes with The Wine Pour, where more than 20 restaurants will offer samplings of signature items. Tickets are $125 for the Vintner Event, $35 for The Wine Pour and are available for purchase online.
eldofest.com | 870.863.4547
3. Southern Silks
Little Rock
May 7: Celebrate the 142nd Kentucky Derby at this event benefiting Methodist Family Health, an organization that provides psychiatric and behavioral healthcare throughout the state. The party includes dinner and libations, live and silent auctions, a wine raffle, hat contest and prizes. Tickets are $75 for reserved seats and $50 for general admission.
methodistfamily.org | 501.906.4201
4. Table for Two
Morrilton
May 13: Make the beautiful trek to the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute for a culinary class, where you’ll learn to cook rosemary shrimp scampi. Bring your significant other or a friend to enjoy the evening as you try your hand at the meal preparation.
rockefellerinstitute.org | 501.727.5435
5. Balloon Dayz
Russellville
May 13 through 15: Pope County Fairgrounds is the site for this weekend event, where the sky will be filled with colorful hot air balloons. Attendees will participate in balloon flights, tethered rides, helicopter rides, powered parachute rides, a charity walk and much more, including chainsaw carving, live entertainment and great food.
balloondayz.com | 479.304.777
6. ‘Into the Blue’
Little Rock
May 15: Celebrate the life-changing power of the arts at the second annual “Into the Blue: An Evening with Pres. Bill Clinton” at the Clinton Presidential Center. This year’s “Into the Blue” includes an intimate dinner and performances from Thea Foundation scholarship recipients, who are making their marks on Broadway, in Hollywood and beyond. They’ll also award the inaugural Pillar of the Arts Award.
theafoundation.org | 501.379.9512
7. International Greek Food Festival
Little Rock
May 20 through 22: International music and dance take center stage at the 32nd annual International Greek Food Festival. Of course, the delicious entrees and desserts — gyros, Greek souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, pasta flora to name just a few — are also a big draw; the proceeds benefit seven statewide organizations. Hours: Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
greekfoodfest.com | 501.221.5300
8. Artosphere Festival Orchestra 10X10 Concert
Fayetteville
May 24: The lauded Artosphere Orchestra led by Maestro Corrado Rovaris will present its sixth annual 10X10 concert. Part of the Walton Arts Center’s Artosphere Arts and Nature Festival, this performance promises to be uplifting, inspirational and thrilling. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. in Baum Walker Hall.
waltonartscenter.org | 479.443.5600
9. Art on the Border
Fort Smith
May 27 and 28: Art collectors and enthusiasts, this is an event for you. Twenty-eight artists are participating, and up for purchase are traditional and contemporary pieces — sculptures, glassworks, baskets, woodworks and more — all starting at prices as low as $50. Hosted at the Frisco Depot, the sale takes place on the 27th from 6 to 9 p.m. and the 28th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
479.883.9482
10. Havana Nights
Fort Smith
June 3: The River Park Events Building and Amphitheater is the site for this year’s Havana Nights, a fundraiser for the Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter Foundation. Attendees will enjoy Cuban cuisine, hand-rolled cigars, rum and bourbon tastings, dancing and live music from the award-winning salsa band Calle Soul. Tickets are $100 per person.
childrensemergencyshelter.org | 479.242.5771